A schoolboy has been banned from football matches for three years after being involved in violent disorder from the age of 13.

The teenager, who can’t be named for legal reasons, appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today, to face a charge of having caused or contributed to violence or disorder at games.

The court heard how the Middlesbrough fan, now 16, was caught misbehaving in and around Middlesbrough for more than two years.

The town youngster, dressed in his school uniform, appeared at court with his father and apologised to the bench for his actions.

His father told magistrates: “He has been following older people at football matches from the age of 14. He obviously knows he has made a mistake.

“He is no longer interested in going to games anymore. He knows he has done wrong and is sorry for what has happened.”

In 2013, a 14-year-old Hartlepool pupil became the youngest football fan to be given a three-year ban from games.

The teenager was barred from every single football stadium in England and Wales.

The ban also meant he had to surrender his passport every time the England national team play abroad.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Football banning orders are preventative in nature, and once someone is identified as causing or contributing to violence or disorder at football matches Cleveland Police will seek to make an application to the courts for such an order.

"These banning orders are there to ensure that the football match environment is safe and enjoyable for all families and fans watching the game. Violence and disorder at football matches will not be tolerated by either Cleveland Police or the football clubs.”